A black squirrel became an unexpected participant in the Baltimore Orioles’ 8-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Monday night, leading to a prolonged and comical chase around Comerica Park.
The squirrel first appeared on the field during the bottom of the sixth inning, running along the warning track. Play continued for a full inning as the animal made its way around the ballpark, at one point near a dove on the warning track.
Elusive Critter
The chase intensified during the seventh-inning stretch when the Detroit Tigers grounds crew emerged to attempt its capture. The squirrel eluded approximately 15 crew members and Orioles outfielder Leody Taveras. During the attempt, the squirrel jumped out of Taveras’ glove as he tried to secure it.
Play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti provided commentary during the pursuit, describing the squirrel's evasive maneuvers. "The chase for the squirrel is on, and the squirrel is in the corner and the squirrel is still eluding an entire horde of grounds crew members!" he narrated.
Despite efforts involving towels thrown by the grounds crew, the squirrel continued to dodge capture. Eventually, a grounds crew member successfully trapped the animal under a towel, drawing a boo from the crowd.
Home plate umpire Bill Miller thanked the grounds crew for their efforts after the squirrel was removed. Orioles manager Craig Albernaz described the situation as "nuts."